Holy Cross College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Holy Cross College is located in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Holy Cross College 13:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Holy Cross College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross College or Otterbein University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Otterbein University than Holy Cross College ($20,457 vs. $22,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 4% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,700 vs. $13,236).
• Holy Cross College is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $1,052 more per year; $36,600.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Holy Cross College than at Otterbein University (about $1,052 more per year; $36,600.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Cross College students is 1.8% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($28,416 vs. $27,923).

Holy Cross College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross College or Otterbein University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Otterbein University and Holy Cross College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Holy Cross College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 980/1300; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 23/31; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross College - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Holy Cross College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Holy Cross College vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Holy Cross College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross College and Otterbein University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.